Michelle Peterson, PNA Director of Philanthropy
Last Friday night’s rapid response training didn’t go as planned. Nevertheless, it evolved into another way the PNA makes space for community involvement. With increased I.C.E. activity in Minnesota and beyond making international news, the PNA hosted an opportunity for concerned PhinneyWood neighbors to gather, learn from local advocates, and attend a virtual rapid response training provided by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN).
Over 150 people reserved their spots with just a week’s notice. Chairs from across the two Phinney Campus buildings were brought in and set up in the largest room of the Blue Building to accommodate as many neighbors as possible. Two laptops and TV monitors flanked the room, while a white board stood ready for notes and discussion. In the back corners, tables held WAISN print resources, volunteer sign-up sheets, know-your-rights cards, and whistles packed with informational zines.
I stood outside greeting and encouraging folks to make a name tag and meet a neighbor, when MJ and I learned from Robin that WAISN was having tech issues. Although we had initially logged in successfully, we were kicked out of the virtual session and couldn’t reconnect. WAISN, too, was overwhelmed by the number of community members trying to access the training.
Unable to continue with the event as originally organized, we shifted into Plan B. MJ, who’d originally planned to welcome the group and facilitate discussion after the training, stepped in to lead the room directly. After explaining the pivot, MJ shared information and resources from recent advocacy trainings they had attended. People settled in and contributed generously to the discussion. Thankfully, lawyers and other advocates in the room shared their expertise, helping answer the many questions and scenarios that emerged.
The evening concluded with us passing out little strips of paper so neighbors could exchange contact information and commit to staying connected. People lingered past 8pm, trading Signal contacts and business cards and expressing gratitude for the chance to gather and learn together in person.
Those in attendance shared their thoughts about the event as well:
“I wanted to say thank you to MJ for their fantastic community-oriented leadership at tonight’s rapid response training. They maneuvered so many hurdles and difficulties–the failed Zoom setup from WAISN, high emotions and anxieties in the room –and they handled it all with grace, generosity, and good humor. It was truly above and beyond.”
“I’m so glad to be a member of the PNA for events like this, and I just wanted to say that your hard work is noticed, and it is making a difference.”
“I just wanted to say thank you to the amazing staff who held it down last night. To pivot and keep the training going when there was tech issues?! Great job. It felt very community driven and I left feeling more equipped to take action.”
“I was proud to be a PNA member last night.”
While the PNA is not an organization with formal expertise in immigrant rights, it is an organization with space for community response. The old schoolhouse remains a place of learning and care for our neighborhood, a small beacon in PhinneyWood on a Friday night.
Want more information about ways to engage in this work? Check out the following resources that were shared by and among community members:
- WAISN February 12 Rapid Response Training
- WAISN March Rapid Response Training
- Greenwood Rapid Response Group: email [email protected] to get started
- Phinney Ridge Rapid Response Group: https://PhinneyResponse.org or email [email protected]
- Ballard Rapid Response Group
Additionally, a beautiful piece of artwork created by a community member shared at the gathering is available to print at home via this link.